Privacy Policy
Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Thevara, Kochi is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of personal information shared by students, faculty, staff, researchers, alumni, applicants, parents, visitors, and all other stakeholders.
This Privacy Policy explains how the College collects, uses, stores, protects, and discloses information through its official websites, digital platforms, campus systems, and administrative processes.
1. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all individuals associated with the College, including:
- Students and applicants
- Faculty members and researchers
- Administrative and support staff
- Alumni
- Parents or guardians
- Third-party service providers and contractors
- Visitors accessing College digital platforms or campus facilities
This policy applies to information collected through:
- Official College websites and portals
- Admission and examination systems
- Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Email and communication systems
- Online payment gateways and forms
- Campus networks and IT infrastructure
- CCTV and surveillance systems installed on campus
2. Information Collected
The College may collect personal and institutional information necessary for academic, administrative, research, communication, and security purposes.
2.1 Personal Information
Personal information may include:
- Name, address, phone number, and email address
- Date of birth and gender
- Academic records and examination details
- Identification documents submitted during admissions or verification
- Financial and fee-related information
- Employment-related records of staff and faculty
- Research and publication-related information
- Photographs, videos, or recordings collected during academic or institutional events
2.2 Technical and Usage Information
When users access College websites or digital services, certain technical information may be automatically collected, including:
- IP address and browser information
- Device information
- Pages visited and access times
- Login activity and system usage data
- Cookies and session-related information
3. Use of Information
Personal information collected by the College may be used for:
- Admissions and enrollment processes
- Academic administration and student support
- Examination and certification purposes
- Communication of institutional updates and notices
- Research, training, and academic collaborations
- Processing scholarships, grants, and fee payments
- Compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
- Ensuring campus and cyber security
- Maintaining institutional records and archives
The College does not sell or share personal information for commercial or marketing purposes without consent, unless required by law.
4. Confidentiality and Disclosure
The College maintains confidentiality of personal information and limits access to authorized personnel only.
Information may be disclosed:
- When required by law, court order, or government authority
- For academic, administrative, or accreditation purposes
- During investigations related to misconduct, cyber incidents, or policy violations
- To authorized service providers engaged by the College for operational support, subject to confidentiality obligations
5. Email, Computer Systems, and Networks
Users accessing College-owned devices, networks, email services, or digital infrastructure must comply with institutional IT policies and acceptable usage guidelines.
The College reserves the right to monitor and review institutional systems, devices, and network activities when necessary to:
- Protect institutional infrastructure
- Prevent unauthorized access or cyber threats
- Investigate misuse, policy violations, or unlawful activities
- Maintain operational integrity and security
6. Data Security
The College takes appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, misuse, or loss.
Security measures may include:
- Secure servers and firewalls
- Password-protected systems
- Restricted access controls
- Regular monitoring and security reviews
- Data backup and recovery mechanisms
While reasonable efforts are made to protect data, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
7. Cookies and Website Analytics
Official College websites may use cookies or analytics tools to improve website performance and user experience.
Users may choose to disable cookies through browser settings; however, certain website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.
8. Third-Party Links
College websites or digital platforms may contain links to third-party websites or external services. The College is not responsible for the privacy practices, security, or content of external websites.
Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of third-party platforms before sharing personal information.
9. Video Surveillance and Campus Security
To ensure the safety and security of students, staff, visitors, and institutional property, CCTV and surveillance systems may be installed in selected areas across the campus.
9.1 Purpose of Surveillance
- Campus safety and security
- Prevention and investigation of unlawful activities
- Protection of persons and property
- Monitoring access to sensitive or restricted areas
9.2 Access to Recordings
Access to surveillance recordings is restricted to authorized College authorities and designated personnel.
Recordings may be shared with law enforcement or government authorities only when required for investigation, legal proceedings, or public safety purposes.
9.3 Retention of Recordings
Surveillance recordings may be retained for a limited period as determined by institutional policy or operational requirements and may be preserved longer if required for investigation or legal purposes.
10. User Responsibilities
- Providing accurate information
- Maintaining confidentiality of login credentials
- Using College systems ethically and lawfully
- Reporting suspicious activities or security concerns promptly
11. Policy Updates
The College reserves the right to revise or update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements, institutional practices, or technological developments.
Updated versions of the policy will be published through official College communication channels and websites.
12. Contact Information
Office: 0484-2870504
Sacred Heart College (Autonomous)
Thevara, Kochi – 682013
Kerala, India
Website: www.shcollege.ac.in